38-Year-Old Indian National Arrested After UK Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker

A 38-year-old Indian national has been arrested after British authorities intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel during what the UK described as its first operation of this kind.

The arrest followed a six-hour operation carried out in the early hours of June 14 by Royal Marine Commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The operation was supported by Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

According to the NCA, the Indian national was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences under UK Russia Regulations and has been taken into custody for questioning.

The agency said 24 Georgian and Indian crew members remain aboard the tanker and are assisting investigators. The vessel, Smyrtos, is currently anchored off the Dorset coast.

Video released by the UK Ministry of Defence showed Royal Marines fast-roping from a Chinook helicopter onto the vessel before carrying out searches alongside NCA officers.

According to MarineTraffic data, Smyrtos sails under the Cameroon flag and left Russia’s Ust-Luga port on June 5 with Port Said, Egypt, listed as its destination.

BBC Verify reported that the tanker was sanctioned in July 2025 and has since changed its name from Myrtos to Smyrtos and changed flags twice.

The Ministry of Defence said the interception took place in international waters more than 12 nautical miles from the UK coast and was carried out in line with domestic and international law.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation was intended to increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, which Western countries say helps transport Russian oil despite sanctions imposed following the war in Ukraine.

“This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide,” Starmer said.

The UK government said the operation was the result of months of planning involving several government departments and agencies.

Russia’s shadow fleet is made up of hundreds of ageing tankers that are used to transport Russian oil and other cargoes while operating outside traditional shipping networks.

These vessels often use different flags and ownership structures to avoid restrictions imposed by Western countries.

The Ministry of Defence said the UK has sanctioned more than 500 vessels linked to the shadow fleet.

The operation was also carried out in coordination with France. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron said French forces had intercepted a sanctioned tanker suspected of being part of the shadow fleet with support from the UK.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, saying actions that reduce Russia’s oil revenues also limit its ability to fund the war.

There was no immediate response from Moscow. Russia has previously criticised similar actions by Western countries and described them as illegal.

Former British military chief Lord Dannatt said the interception could lead Russia to consider escorting shadow fleet tankers with warships through UK waters in the future, although there is no indication that this is currently happening.

The NCA said its investigation remains ongoing. The tanker Smyrtos remains at anchor off the Dorset coast while authorities continue their inquiries.

References: DPA, BBC